Data acquisition
and analysis is now pervasive throughout the health care industry.
Researchers developing new medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and treatment
protocols employ rigorous study designs and statistical methods. Public
health personnel collect data when investigating disease outbreaks
and disseminate health statistics and risks to the general public
through awareness campaigns to improve population health. Administrators
of health care organizations collect and analyze data to support decisions
involving resource allocation and to assess the quality of care and
utilization of services. Clinicians make patient treatment choices
using evidence-based practice.
The advent of electronic
medical records, government mandates for data capture and reporting,
and the ability to collect and store massive amounts of data has enabled
the application of analytics to real-life health care problems. Personnel
at all levels and functions of health care organizations are producers
and consumers of data and analysis with the goal of containing health
care costs and improving patient care.